AUSTAD CHURCHYARDLyngdalNorway

Location Information

Flekkefjord is a seaport on the western side of the south coast of Norway. The church is situated on the old part of the E39 next to a new road bridge. From the E39 follow the 44 to Flekkefjord. If travelling from the north go back under the bridge and turn first right. If travelling from the south take the first turn left on the slip road.

The Commonwealth war graves are near the centre of the churchyard, to the east of the church.

Historical Information

During the Second World War, Norway was of strategic importance to the Germans. Their invasion on 9 April 1940 was sudden and widespread and despite Allied intervention, the entire country was under German occupation by early June. Thereafter, Allied activity in Norway was confined to raids and special operations, with the Commonwealth air forces providing support to Norwegian resistance groups until the German capitulation in May 1945. There are no Commonwealth war cemeteries in Norway, those who died there being buried in civil cemeteries and churchyards.

Austad Churchyard contains the graves of five Commonwealth airmen. Four are in a collective grave and the fifth lies nearby.

Burial Details

936240 Flight Sergeant William Colin Eugene Broomhead, Pilot in 608 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, died 2nd September 1941, aged 26. Son of William and Mabel Annie Broomhead, of Lea, Derbyshire.

978672 Sergeant John Millar Christie, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner in 608 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, died 2nd September 1941, aged 19. Son of William and Margaret T. Christie, of Kirkcaldy, Fife.

1430022 Flight Sergeant Edward Joseph Hobbs, Air Gunner in 97 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, died 22nd December 1944, aged 22. Son of Edward and Dorothy Maude Hobbs, of East Dulwich, London.

1005490 Sergeant George Law, Wireless Operator/Air Gunner in 608 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, died 2nd September 1941, aged 20. Son of Hubert and Emily Frances Law, of Northallerton, Yorkshire.

938123 Sergeant Basil Lawson Thomas, Pilot in 608 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, died 2nd September 1941, aged 21. Son of Herbert and Muriel Thomas, of Stockport, Cheshire.